There are a lot of aspects about Costa Rica that are looked over or ignored almost all together. First of all the people as a whole are a very good looking culture and especially the tica ticas. The buenas and the medio buenas are very approachable with fair to midlin spanish, and it is pretty fair the say that a hot lookin women on your side gives you confidence and creates attraction from both females and friends. The tica linda effect and yes nicas seems to create more confidence and causes most men to want to work and or scheme to maintain happiness and passion with their respectable chicas. All though there is a shite load of redtape and many things muy gringo/tico, startups are actively encouraged and start up costs minimal, whether it is a bar or a manufacturing company. In the states during holidays, many families stay amongst themselves cause people are scattered throughout the states, in da Rica full on extended families gather, spend time together, get drunk dance and laugh, not quite the Walton's but very refreshing. Not being a cheap bastard but it is quite nice not to have to tip for every frickin thing up to and inlcluding directions to the bathroom. Now the soccer did seem a bit boring at first, until you start watching some of the world cup games or god forbid sneak in some rum and go to the stadium. Any game where 22 people can get involved with just one ball and no shoes is bound to maintain popularity amongst the locals, and usually the tico mentality is prevalent with Vamos gringo, jugar! and look to add more players for fun. Lastly even the most bitter of drunk gringos can have something to look forward to in practicing their spanish with the bartenders and the slight and or subtle kiss on the cheek. If the Pura vida means stopping and having a quick conversation, a beer, and a kiss, then I am all in on showing up late every once in awhile. :toast: (<)<